Civil Engineer Salary in Raleigh
2026 compensation data for Civil Engineer positions in Raleigh, NC. Ranges from $59,000 (entry-level) to $145,000 (senior). Median: $90,000.
Median (Mid)
$90,000
$43.27/hr
vs National
+0%
US: $90,000
COL Index
102
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$145,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $59,000 | $69,000 | $80,000 | $33.17/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $76,000 | $90,000 | $108,000 | $43.27/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $103,000 | $123,000 | $145,000 | $59.13/hr |
Got an offer? Don't leave money on the table.
Practice negotiating this salaryWhat Your Salary Is Really Worth in Raleigh
A mid-level civil engineer earning $90,000 in Raleigh has the same buying power as $88,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 102).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Civil Engineer Salaries in Raleigh
Design, plan, and oversee construction of infrastructure projects including bridges, roads, buildings, and water systems. This page covers civil engineer compensation specifically in Raleigh, NC.
The median civil engineer salary in Raleigh, NC is $90,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 0% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 102 (national average = 100), Raleigh offers an affordable cost of living, making these salaries stretch further.
Entry-level civil engineers in Raleigh can expect to earn between $59,000 and $80,000 (about $33.17/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $145,000 ($145K annually, or about $69.71/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Raleigh.
Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Raleigh
What is the average Civil Engineer salary in Raleigh?+
The average Civil Engineer salary in Raleigh is $90,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $69,000 and senior-level pay reaches $123,000.
How much does an entry-level civil engineer make in Raleigh?+
Entry-level civil engineers in Raleigh earn between $59,000 and $80,000, with a median of $69,000 per year (about $33.17/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Civil Engineer in Raleigh?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Civil Engineer in Raleigh earns roughly $33.17/hour at entry-level, $43.27/hour at mid-level, and $59.13/hour at senior-level.
Is the Civil Engineer salary in Raleigh higher than the US average?+
Yes — Civil Engineer salaries in Raleigh are about 0% higher than the US national median of $90,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
Negotiating a Civil Engineer offer in Raleigh?
Stop guessing. Get personalized scripts, market insights, and expert tactics for your specific situation using our free AI negotiation coach.
Civil Engineer Salaries in Other Cities
Other Roles in Raleigh
Know Your Worth as a Civil Engineer in Raleigh
You now have the data. Use our free AI negotiation coach to turn it into a strategy — get scripts, market context, and expert tactics for your specific situation.
Free · No signup · Instant answers